You are not Alone on World Mental Health Day

Today, on World Mental Health Day Aware, the national depression support organisation is encouraging people in Ireland who may be impacted by depression or bipolar disorder, or those who are concerned for their own or a loved one’s mental health, to contact the organisation and find out more about the organisation’s range of free, clinically effective support services. Aware can be contacted on Freephone 1800 80 48 48 and email – supportmail@aware.ie.

Bríd O’Meara, Director of Services with Aware says that reaching out for help can seem like an impossible step, due to the impact that depression has on a person’s sense of self-worth and their sense of hope for the future: “Depression can be one of the most corrosive and isolating experiences a human being can go through. Everyone in Aware understands the courage it takes to pick up a phone, send an email, or in some cases even visit a website for information. It can seem like an unmanageable step.

“But everyone in Aware also understands the relief that can come from simply knowing that one other person in the world knows and understands what you are going through. Depression makes us think that no-one cares, that no-one understands, that we are not worth help; but that is not the truth. So many people in Ireland go through these dark times and Aware’s services can and do help. Every day people who have used our services, contact us to tell us about the positive impact that they have had on their life. To anyone going through a tough time, I say ‘Don’t let depression rob you of another day of your life. Today is the day you can reach out and take the first step towards recovery.’”

Aware offers a range of support services which are all based on clinical best practice and proven to be effective for people with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Aware.ie contains extensive information about depression and bipolar disorder as well as a free archive of public talks from mental health experts on various topics: these talks were accessed 173,000 times in 2015 alone.

Anyone concerned about themselves or a loved one is encouraged to call Aware on Freephone 1800 80 48 48 to talk confidentially* to an Aware-trained volunteer.

About Aware – Aware is the national organisation providing support, education and information services around depression and bipolar disorder. Founded in 1985 the organisation now offers:

Support
Support Groups* | 38 locations nationwide | 12,600 visits each year
Support Line | FREEPHONE 1800 80 48 48 | open 365 days a year, 10am-10pm | 11,000 calls each year
Support Mail | supportmail@aware.ie | 2,300 emails each year